HSAT PREP: Your Game Plan for the Chicago HSAT 🎯

The Chicago High School Admissions Test (HSAT) is a defining moment for students seeking a spot at one of the city's top Selective Enrollment High Schools. Unlike many other high school entrance exams, the HSAT is a one-and-done deal—you get a single opportunity to take the test. This means effective preparation is not just an option, it's a necessity.

This post will give you a clear, actionable game plan for the HSAT, from understanding its role in the GoCPS application to a list of crucial preparation tips.

How the HSAT Powers Your Application

The HSAT is a core component of your application to a Selective Enrollment High School, accounting for 50% of your total admission score. The other 50% comes from your final grades in core subjects from seventh grade.

This 50/50 split on a 900-point scale means that a strong HSAT score can be the difference-maker. It’s the standardized metric that allows admissions officers to compare students fairly, regardless of their middle school's grading system.

The Test Itself: By the Numbers

The HSAT is a computer-based, timed exam. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll encounter on test day:

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Sections: 2 (Reading and Math)

  • Time per Section: 30 minutes each

  • Calculators: Not allowed on the Math section

  • Guessing Penalty: There is no penalty for wrong answers. This is a key detail!

Your 5-Step HSAT Game Plan 🚀

To maximize your score and feel confident walking into the testing room, follow this strategic game plan.

  1. Understand Your Timeline: The GoCPS application opens in the fall of your 8th-grade year, and the HSAT is typically administered in October. Knowing these dates is crucial for planning your preparation. Start well in advance to avoid a last-minute scramble.

  2. Focus on the Big Picture: The HSAT is an achievement test, meaning it assesses skills and knowledge you've built over time. Instead of just memorizing facts, focus on strengthening your foundational skills in reading comprehension, algebra, and geometry.

  3. Simulate the Test Experience: Practice is your most powerful tool. Take full-length, timed practice tests that mirror the real HSAT's format and questions. This will not only help you get used to the time pressure but also reveal which types of questions or topics you need to review.

  4. Target Your Weaknesses: After each practice test, analyze your results. Don't just look at the score; look at the details. Did you struggle with word problems in math? Or with inference questions in reading? Pinpoint your weak spots and dedicate your study time to them.

  5. Always Answer Every Question: Remember, there's no penalty for guessing. If you're running out of time or a question is stumping you, make your best educated guess and move on. Leaving a question blank is a missed opportunity for points.

Ready to Get Started?

The best way to prepare is with a resource designed specifically for the Chicago HSAT. A practice test that simulates the format and time constraints of the actual exam is the best way to get a real feel for test day.

Visit cpshsat.com to access a full-length, timed practice test that can help you execute this game plan and take a confident step toward your dream high school.